Restore Resources Directory
06/05/2025
Mental Health Awareness Week – it’s OK to ask for help.
12/05/2025Celebrating Member’s Training Accomplishments
| The Restore Garden Café is a recovery group. A place where members gain skills in customer service, barista work and food preparation. Training at the Café supports personal and professional growth, and steps towards recovery. In addition, members often identify healthier eating as a recovery goal, so by preparing nutritious food together, they build lasting habits that support both physical and mental well-being. Recently, some Café members obtained Level 2 Food Safety qualifications, building knowledge of food and personal hygiene for food preparation. Christine, recovery coordinator at Restore Café, said: |
Members have been very successful in completing the course, and it has demonstrated how experience can build confidence and increase a sense of belonging. Nick, who passed with 93%, said: “[The training was] very rewarding. It made me feel part of the Café.”
| “It gives members a sense of professionalism as well as providing them with a clearer vision about what’s expected from them within a professional catering setting. It also accelerates their confidence and recovery within and beyond Restore.” |
Evidence shows that healthy diets can reduce depression (SMILES trial, 2017), while cooking itself supports self-esteem and social connection (Health Education & Behavior, 2011). A good diet also benefits gut health, which plays a key role in mood regulation (Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2015).
Through the Café, members take real steps toward recovery—learning skills they can carry into everyday life.
One member said training is important because “It can improve prospects for future employment”, and another said “I overcame my fear of taking a course because of past exam experiences”.
Restore can offer help to many different people, in many different settings, from cafes to craft to coaching. It’s OK to ask for help when it’s needed, so, if you or someone you know may need support, explore Restore’s services and signposting.
